An intimate one-on-one with Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique’s favorite song of the moment is Pharrell’s “Happy” and he even admitted to VOXXI that he wished he wrote it first.

In our encounter with the Nicaraguan salsa singer we also talked about Sergio George’s Salsa Giants project, Cheo Feliciano and even a possible album this year.

“Salsa Giants was a reunion,” Luis Enrique told VOXXI during the ASCAP Showcase which formed part of the 2014 Billboard Latin Music Conference.

“It’s a great way to get us all together in an album and give good music and energy for all the fans who have followed each one of us,” he said about embarking producer Sergio George’s project.

The salsero collective includes some of the big names in the tropical genre such as Oscar D’ Leon, Marc Anthony, Andy Montañez and the late Cheo Feliciano, who tragically passed away in a car accident on April 17.

“I learned a lot from Cheo just by watching him,” Luis, 51, said. “I very much appreciated every moment we spent together.”

He remembers the bolero and salsa artist as a very loving and kind man.

Although Luis has been active with current endeavors and shows, we couldn’t help but wonder if there’s a new album in the works following his 2011 production “Soy y Sere.”

Indeed, the GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY-winner said he is working with Puerto Rican composer and producer Angel “Cucco” Peña and hopes to launch a new album in June, one that he’s been wanting to release for a long time.

The “Yo No Se Mañana” singer mentioned, however, that the new album is very personal and has no collaborations, unlike his previous “Soy y Sere” which included Prince Royce and Alex Cuba.

“Little by little I’ll let you guys know what it’s all about,” he said. “I am eager to put it out and see what you guys think, it’s a beautiful piece.”

In the meantime, Luis Enrique is very much enjoying the “vacation” time he spends in his native country of lagos y volcanes.

“The more I go back home, the more I enjoy myself,” he said. “I am finally taking the time to re-discover Nicaragua.”

Our exclusive session was followed by an ASCAP showcase in Miami Beach, Fla. where Luis delighted and captivated spectators with some of his latest and best hits.

Undoubtedly, “The Prince of Salsa” is here to stay.

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